Face Tan Water, best invention ever?

I am usually not a fan of any fake tans on the face. They clog pores, dehydrate the skin and they also don't last, so I usually do tell clients not to bother and to simply match the makeup to the rest of the body if they are getting a spray tan.

Even if you are having a natural suntan, the face usually stays lighter, as we (hopefully!) protect it that most with sunblock, makeup, glasses & hat.

That's why most people have darker skin on the body than in the face.

But I am getting sidetracked....! As this Summer consisted of multiple heatwaves, my face hasn't seen much sun this year, I only went to the beach in the evening and tried my best to stay cool with this big belly.

I saw the Eco Tan Face Tan Water and needed to try it. I was intrigued by the texture, that it is actually a liquid and of course that it is toxin-free and full of great ingredients.

I already mentioned it briefly here, but I found it to be amazing!
I simply apply some with a cotton pad at night after cleansing and leave it on after night.
The tan is very light and can be built up when used a few nights in a row. Then you can maintain that colour by using the water 2-3 times a week.I t is definitely a subtle result but enough to even out the skin and give it a bit of a glow. Hardly any makeup needed afterwards!

The texture is very light and feels hydrating and cooling, sooooo nice now in Summer!
The best thing is that the formula is anti-acne (it won't cause clogged pores or breakouts!) and anti-aging (it keeps the skin very hydrated and supple)

I am not surprised it already won awards! It's such a unique product and it really works.

I just ordered myself a whole new bottle, for when baby arrives and I bet it will make me look less tired in those crazy but beautiful weeks as a new mama. Does that sound really vain? I am sure I will be all consumed by baby love and not caring too much about my appearance a, but after a few weeks/months there is nothing wrong with making yourself feel good, is there?

So my roundup: It's amazing and highly recommended!
I can't see myself stopping to use it anytime soon.

My 2nd trimester Update! Favourite things & thoughts

The more my pregnancy progresses the better I feel! ( I am sure this won't remain true in the final weeks/days) but for now, I feel more energised and fitter every week. Soooo good after all the sickness of the first trimester.

My skin has been perfectly clear, glowing and supple, my nails are growing faster than I clip or file them. My favourite food has been Green Smoothies! I have one every day for breakfast. I also really loved avocados and mangoes! No weird cravings. Smell has gone back to normal.

The only thing seems to be that I am a little more clumsy than usual. is that a thing?

I keep dropping things and my dear husband has a lot of fun.

I have just been feeling very calm and happy most of the time, no crazy mood swings or anything.
I contribute this to eating very well (no junk, no sugar etc) as well as exercising and also keeping up with work. I have taken on slightly less work now in the third trimester as I have more midwife appointments and also don't want to overexert myself.

My exercise routine was easy to keep up and I added evening walks and swims to the schedule which has been amazing. We have had a very hot Summer over here so far and I am not going to lie, the heat is not really comfortable when pregnant, it does make me feel sluggish and slow.
I have been doing 5 workouts a week, plus normal walks and swims. It really helped my posture with the growing belly and weight of the growing boobs.

My favourite beauty products have been:

~ Coconut Oil! I use it on wet skin in the shower all over my body.
~ My Edible Beauty skin care range, it's just perfect, swooooon!
Over Summer I have been using the Serum mostly on it's own, which makes my skin glow and keep it hydrated. When I need extra protection or spend a lot of time outdoors I also use the tinted moisturiser. Of course, I cleanse twice daily and use the exfoliant 1-2 times a week.
~ Vanessa Megan Pregnancy Perfume
~ Wild Rose Body Wash by Weleda
~ Face Tan Water by Eco Tan ( I think I have to write a separate review about this!)
~ Liquid Minerals Foundation By Jane Iredale

Books:
Ina May's Guide To Breastfeeding
Simplicity Parenting
Heaven On Earth A Handbook for Parents Of Young Children
 all the beautiful baby & children books we received at our recent baby shower!

Foods: Green Smoothies! Every Morning!
Fresh Baby Spinach Salads with Avocado (!) chickpeas & tofu
Mangoes!!! And Melons!

Clothes: Spell dresses, forever and ever, so comfy in the heat. And so much room for the belly! But I can also continue to wear them next summer without a big belly!

We have also started our nesting! That little nursery is complete by now and we have almost all things ticked off our list. Only a last few bits and pieces, which makes me feel really calm and good. I think it helped both of us to really get our head around that our baby girl will be living with us real soon!

I really enjoy being pregnant and am excited about the third trimester.

New Colours From NUDUS

Remember NŪDUS?
The local line of luxury lipsticks has just released five new shades.

As they are extremely beautiful I thought I share the news with you!

I took a photo of some swatches and the lipsticks, to give you an idea.

All shades are beautifully highly pigmented and very wearable and flattering.

Well done, NUDUS

Nudus is certified organic & cruelty-free. The shades do contain beeswax though and are therefore not vegan.

I am happy I added these to my kit!

Liquid Minerals by Jane Iredale THE Summer Foundation

Summer has arrived in Sydney with beautiful sunny, hot and some humid days.
The worst thing I can imagine in weather like this is to wear a thick, heavy foundation.

My Skin
My skin is naturally dry and sensitive in Summer however it becomes reasonably more balanced and can get oily in the t-zone.
On days when I am working from home or I don't usually wear any makeup during this time,
( I just told you about my go-to Summer moisturizer here!) but I love products that look like I am not wearing anything and feel lightweight yet give some coverage and glow for when I go out or work in during this beautiful season.

Hello LIQUID MINERALS! Where have you been all my life?

The Foundation
Not only does this foundation have the most intriguing packaging, it really is different the way it works and looks on the skin. It is a serum gel base, which is a real skincare treatment with amazing anti-aging and hydrating properties in which the mineral pigments are suspended.

When you pump it out the pigments mix with the gel, sometimes they still some out a little separated and need a little further mixing. There are different techniques recommended for application by Jane Iredale, however, I think it applies PERFECTLY when used with fingers.
It just melts into my skin, the hydration sinks right in making my skin super plump and the pigments are just enough to even out my skin and give the most amazing glow.
Each time I wear it I get a ton of compliments on my skin, how it's glowing and so healthy etc.
The best thing is it's not an oily dewiness, which makes it perfect for this time of year. It actually really balances the skin and I don't even get an oily t-zone.

Many people use this together with the pressed or loose foundation for added coverage, which is a nice option. I love it on its own right now. It just perfects my skin.  It also does not clog pores or cause any breakouts as it's so lightweight but still perfect for sensitive and dry skins.

It's definitely a luxury product but well worth the price. Think of it as your precious skincare serum, just that you would apply it during the daytime only and as a side effect it is your foundation. Liquid minerals is vegan & cruelty-free.

I hope this helped a few of you looking for something like this right now :)
Do tell what your Summer go to's are in the comments below, I would love to hear!

Giveaway: Toxin Free Mani & Pedi at Biotyspa

Remember I raved about my favourite facialist and spa , Deborah from BIOTYSPA, before?

The fact that this place exists makes me already so happy.
A toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan beauty salon with the most professional treatments and products...and all that just a few steps from my house in Bondi Beach.

French therapist Deborah just opened up a brand-new, beautiful Salon and of course, I had to go to the opening party.|
The treatment menu has also been updated and besides her signature treatments (which you HAVE TO try), clients can now also treat themselves to a toxin-free (five free) Mani & Pedi with the beautiful products and colours from Australia cult nail brand Kester Black.

Being pregnant I have been avoiding professional mani- and pedicures lately, as I want to avoid the toxin as well as the fumes in the conventional salons.
I had to try the Bioty Mani&Pedi , which besides using all five-free products is also done in in this beautiful large room with fresh-air and no fumes circulating around. 

What can I say? It is a completely different experience to your average nail salon.
Treatments with Deborah are always soooo relaxing and fun, so I really enjoyed my pamper time, especially when being pregnant. The result was flawless, my hands and feet are feeling moisturised.
There were so many beautiful colours, yet I decided to match fingers and toes and picked out colour "Lilac" for both. This is not the place to request funky nail art but rather have a relaxing & healthy experience.
I also got some extra tips on how to look after my rather dry poor pregnant feet, including more foot rubs from husband ;)

GIVEAWAY COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

The Prize
One appointment for a toxin-free Mani&Pedi Combo at Biotyspa in Bondi.
Discover the pleasure of qualitative and relaxing manicure and pedicure, made with toxin-free products.
We use all natural creams, gels, nail polish and removers, certified cruelty-free, vegan and eco-friendly.

Enter Now!
To enter please leave a comment below and tell me what your favourite nail polish colours are this Summer. Do you love summerly coral, timeless nude, or stylish dark tones?
 

Terms & Conditions:
The Toxin Free Mani&Pedi At Biotyspa competition will be judged on skill. The competition opens, Thursday December 8 at 7pm EST and closes on Sunday, December 18th at 12noon EST. One entry per person. Entries will be judged on creativity and originality. Australian entries only, sorry. There is one prize to be won. Winners will be notified via email and published here at the end of this blog post by the end of Monday the 19th of December.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCKY WINNER KARA! WE WILL CONTACT YOU VIA EMAIL.